Time for Change Survey and Report

6 Furthermore, young people and students are often exposed to drug use through their friends, everyday encounters, or by observing family members who engage in substance use. They are also the most likely groups to use illicit drugs and to advocate for more progressive and humane policies, with a history of leading activism and rights-based movements. Despite their resilience, young people face significant challenges related to drug policies and support systems, and it is crucial that they are afforded safer, responsive, and compassionate support to determine their own health and social outcomes. It is rare for those most affected by drug policies to have their voices heard in policy debates. To this end, community-led and community-based research projects such as this one, are crucial for bringing attention to the unique knowledge and insights of individuals who live with and understand the everyday realities of alcohol and other drug use and the impact of current drug policies and laws on individuals, families and communities. Combining both community-led and community-based research approaches, this report brings together insights on current drug policies and potential reform options from the perspectives of individuals and communities directly affected by these policies. Each of the organisations involved strongly value the lived/living expertise of their respective memberships, the communities and groups they serve and the importance of understanding how these issues manifest in their personal and professional lives. These perspectives offer valuable contributions to decision-makers, politicians, and policy change processes at both the state and national levels across Australia. The findings from the 2024 Drug Policy Survey underscore a growing demand for drug policy reform in Australia, particularly in the areas of harm reduction, decriminalisation, and service accessibility. Across diverse respondent groups — including families, professionals, people who use drugs, and young people — there is widespread support for policies that prioritise health, safety, and human rights over punitive measures. Key trends emerging from this research indicate that a substantial majority of respondents endorse harm reduction initiatives such as supervised drug consumption rooms, needle and syringe programs in prisons, peer-led harm reduction at music festivals, and expanded access to take-home naloxone. Additionally, there is significant support for the decriminalisation of drugs for personal use and the legalisation of cannabis, reflecting a shift in public attitudes towards evidence-informed, person-centered and rights-based approaches to drug policy. The survey also highlights a strong call for greater investment in alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment services, particularly in regional and rural areas, and the need for affordable access to Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP). Respondents consistently voiced concerns about the inequities in funding allocation across the National Drug Strategy's three pillars, advocating for a more balanced investment of funds across harm reduction, prevention/treatment and law enforcement approaches.